Are you one of the thousands of motorcycle victims? Have you been injured while riding your motorcycle? Did a car not see you on your motorcycle and cross into your path? Grossman & Moore has represented people just like you. Call us today to discuss your claim.

Over 5,000 Americans die every year as a result of a motorcycle wreck. 93 Kentuckians died in 2008 as a result of a motorcycle accident. There were 96,000 motorcyclists injured during 2008 in the United States. Since 1998, motorcycle rider fatalities have increased each year. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), motorcycle fatal crashes have increased by 89% since 1997.

Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) data show an increase in the number of on-highway motorcycles and motorcycle registration data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also show an increase in the number of registered motorcycles;

MIC data show an increase in motorcycle ownership in the 40 and above age group and FARS data show an increase in motorcycle rider fatalities in the age group of 40 and above in the last 10 years;

An increased number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40 and above age group were seen on rural roadways;

Among roadway types, undivided roadways accounted for a majority of motorcycle rider fatalities;

Unfortunately, car and truck drivers do not respect motorcycles enough. Cars do not keep a lookout for motorcyclists and turn in front of them or change lanes into the path of a motorcyclist resulting in a collision. More must be done to protect the motorcyclist. If you or your family has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, call the attorneys at Grossman & Moore.

If you are injured, remain on or near your vehicle (if it is still safe) until medical assistance arrives.

If able, obtain the name, address, and phone number of the person who hit you and the name, address, and phone number of the insurance company for the at-fault driver.

If able, photograph the accident scene prior to the vehicles being moved and photograph the damage to your vehicle.

Ask for the name of the responding police officer.

Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Seek medical attention if you are injured.

Within a week following the collision, obtain a copy of the police report from the police department who responded to the scene.

Notify your own insurance company regardless of whether you were at fault.

Do not sign any insurance papers without seeking the assistance of an attorney.

Terrific Resource

You may also contact the American Motorcycle Association for more ways to protect yourself when riding your motorcycle. You can visit their website at www.ama-cycle.org The AMA has started a new campaign called “Justice for All” to focus on “inadequate sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill others on the road. This campaign seeks to enhance penalties, including fines, driver’s license suspensions and jail time, for those who commit traffic offenses that injure or kill others, and to have motorcycle-awareness instruction included in each state’s driver-education program.” Hopefully, this campaign will help increase motorcycle safety across Kentucky and make all drivers more aware of motorcyclists on the roadway.